JP2859869B2 - Label mounting device for sample containers - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention records, on an outer peripheral surface of a sample container for storing a sample such as blood or the like, specific items of the sample container (the type of a stored sample, an analysis item, a processing method, etc.). The present invention relates to a sample container label mounting apparatus for mounting a sample container label.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional sample container label mounting apparatus of this type includes an outer peripheral surface of a sample container in which a label issued by a label issuing machine is rotatably held by, for example, a label sticking mechanism comprising a plurality of rotating rollers. Then, the sample container is moved to the installation position of the label reader by the moving arm, and the label recording content is read by the label reader, and then returned to the original position by the moving arm, If there is no abnormality in the reading result, the sample container is advanced to the next step, and if there is any abnormality in the reading result, the sample container is discarded into a disposal bucket or the like.

[0003]

The conventional label mounting apparatus for a sample container has the following disadvantages. The label sticking operation by the label sticking mechanism and the reading operation of the label recorded contents by the label reader are performed in different places, respectively, and after the reading operation is completed, the operation is returned to the original position again. Therefore, useless time is spent for movement, and about 12 seconds are required for one cycle. An object of the present invention is that the time required for one cycle can be extremely short,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a sample container label mounting apparatus having a processing capability twice or more than that of a conventional apparatus.

[0004]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention is configured as described below. (1) The sample container label mounting apparatus of the present invention comprises a label issuing means for issuing a sample container label, and a sample container label issued by the label issuing means wound around the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical sample container. Label attaching means for attaching, comprising a reading means for reading the recorded content of the label attached by the label attaching means, the label attaching means,
The sample container is driven to rotate while holding the outer peripheral surface of the sample container by a plurality of rotating elastic rollers arranged in parallel, and is fed between the rotating elastic roller and the sample container. The label coming out is wrapped around and adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the specimen container, and the reading means passes through the slit-shaped gap between the plurality of elastic rollers in the label attaching means, and the label for the specimen container Is characterized in that the recorded contents are optically read. (2) The sample container label mounting device of the present invention is the device described in (1) above, wherein the sample container label is
It is a barcode label on which a barcode element extending in a direction parallel to the axis of the cylindrical sample container is recorded.

[0005]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a sample container label mounting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2A and 2B are views showing the configuration of the main part, in which FIG. 2A is a top view, and FIG.

As shown in the upper left of FIG. 1, a large number of sample containers 1 waiting for label mounting
They are arranged in order. These sample containers 1
At the time of label mounting, four labels are picked up by a gripping operation device (picker) (not shown), and are stocked in the carry-in stock section 3 as shown by the dashed arrow.

[0007] The four sample containers 1 stocked in the carry-in stock section 3 are pushed to one end side of the carry-in stock section 3 as shown by an arrow P by an air-type pusher or the like (not shown). The sample containers 1 pushed to one end of the loading stock unit 3 are picked up one by one at a predetermined timing by a gripping device (not shown), sequentially transferred to the processing position X, and set in a predetermined posture. Is done.

On the other hand, a label issuing means 10 shown at the lower left of FIG. 1 includes a motor 11, a label paper roll 12 that is driven to rotate by the power of the motor 11, and a long paper that is sequentially fed from the label paper roll 12. Label paper 13
The specific items (type of stored sample, analysis item, processing method, etc.) corresponding to the sample container 1 scheduled to be labeled in the predetermined area are recorded as a barcode 15 to form a sample container label, that is, a barcode label 16. Printer 14
The bar code label 16 is peeled off from the backing of the label paper 13 by bending and running the long label paper 13 along the sharp tip 17a provided near the outlet of the printer 14 to apply label attaching means. A label take-out mechanism 17 for feeding the paper into the base 20; and a mount take-up mechanism 18 for taking up a long mount after the barcode label 16 is peeled off.
And, it consists of.

The bar code label 16 records a bar code element extending in a direction parallel to the axis of the cylindrical sample container 1 set at the processing position X. The label attaching means 20 includes a plurality (four in the present embodiment) of rotating elastic rollers (rubber rollers) 21, 22, 23 arranged in parallel so as to surround the cylindrical sample container 1 set at the processing position X. , 24 as main constituents. Four elastic rollers 21, 22, 23, 2
Two of the four, for example, 21 and 22, are operated to reciprocate in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the roller by a reciprocating drive mechanism (not shown). When the advancing operation is performed, the outer peripheral surface of the sample container 1 set at the processing position X can be pressed from all directions in cooperation with the remaining two elastic rollers 23 and 24. Gears 21a-2 are respectively provided on the shafts of the elastic rollers 21-24.
4a (only 23a and 24a are shown) are attached,
Power from a motor 25 is transmitted to these components via a chain 26. Thus, the elastic rollers 21 to 24 are rotationally driven in the same direction by the power of the motor 25,
The bar code label 16 sent between the sample containers 1, 22, 23, 24 and the sample container 1 is
It is to be wound around the outer peripheral surface and affixed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the label reading means 30 has a bar code reader 31 for reading the bar code 15 of the bar code label 16. And
This bar code reader 31 is used for the label attaching means 20.
Is installed so as to face the slit-shaped gap S existing between the pair of rollers 22 and 24 on the side opposite to the side where the barcode label 16 is introduced. The label reading means 30 decodes the bar code 15 optically read by the bar code reader 31 and outputs the decoded content to the controller via the output line 32.

The unloading means 40 unloads the sample container 1 set at the processing position X after reading and decoding of the bar code 15 by the label reading means 30. That is, the unloading means 40
At the processing position X, the sample container 1 on which the label attaching operation and the label reading operation have been completed is pushed down below the elastic rollers 21 to 24 by a reciprocating drive mechanism (not shown). If there is no abnormality in the result of the reading, the sample container 1 is further pushed down, loaded into the transport holder 41, and carried out to the next step by the belt conveyor 42. As a result of the reading, if a reading error or an abnormality is found in the sample container itself, the sample is temporarily stored in the unloading stock section 43 located below the processing position X, and then picked up by a gripping device (not shown). , And is transferred to the disposal duct 44 for disposal as shown by the broken arrow.

The above-mentioned gripping device and reciprocating drive mechanism (not shown), the label issuing means 10, the label sticking means 20, the label reading means 30, the carrying-out means 40, etc.
It is automatically controlled by exchange with the controller 50.

Next, the operation of the present apparatus configured as described above will be described. When a label mounting instruction is given, the controller 50 operates, and a control signal is given to a gripping device (not shown). Then, the sample containers 1 stored in the sample container rack 2 are picked up four by four by the above-mentioned gripping operation device and are stocked in the carry-in stock 3. Next, of the four sample containers 1 stocked in the carry-in stock 3, the first one is picked up by the gripping operation device,
The processing position X is set. When the sample container 1 is set at the processing position X, the reciprocating drive device operates,
The pair of elastic rollers 21 and 22 of the label sticking means 20 move forward. Therefore, one sample container 1 set at the processing position X has four elastic rollers 21 to 24.
Is held from front to back and right and left. Since the four elastic rollers 21 to 24 are driven to rotate in the same direction by the power of the motor 25, the outer peripheral surfaces thereof are
The sample container 1 held by the pressure holding member 4 is driven to rotate about the axis in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the four elastic rollers 21 to 24.

On the other hand, the label paper roll 12 starts rotating by the motor 11. For this reason, long label paper 13
Are sequentially sent out. Specific items corresponding to the sample container 1 to be labeled by the printer 14 are recorded as a barcode 15 in a predetermined area of the sent label paper 13, and a barcode label 16 is formed. When the barcode label 16 is sent out from the outlet of the printer 14 and reaches the position where the label takeout mechanism 17 is installed,
The long label paper 13 travels sharply at the tip 17 a of the label take-out mechanism 17. For this reason, the barcode label 16 is peeled off from the backing paper, guided by a guide (not shown), and sent to the label attaching means 20.

The bar code label 16 sent to the label applying means 20 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the sample container 1 with the rotation of the four elastic rollers 21 to 24, and is pressed and attached.

At this time, the bar code 15 of the bar code label 16 being wound on the outer peripheral surface of the sample container 1 is
Is read by the barcode reader 31 through the gap existing between the elastic rollers 22 and 24, that is, the slit-shaped gap S, and is decoded at the same time.

Bar code 1 by bar code reader 31
When reading and decoding of 5 are completed, a reciprocating drive mechanism (not shown) moves backward, so that the elastic rollers 21 and 22 separate from the sample container 1. At the same time, another reciprocating drive mechanism moves down, so that the sample container 1
It is pushed down from the position 24. As a result of the reading, if there is no abnormality in the sample container 1, the sample container 1
Is further depressed and loaded into the sample container holder 41. Thus, the sheet is conveyed in the direction of the arrow by the belt conveyor 42 and proceeds to the next step. As a result of the reading, if a reading error or an abnormality is found in the sample container itself, it is stored in the unloading stock section 43. The sample container 1 stocked here is picked up by a gripping operation device,
It is put into the disposal duct 44 and disposed.

The above operation is sequentially performed on the remaining three sample containers 1 stocked in the carry-in stock unit 3. When the sample containers 1 stocked in the carry-in stock unit 3 are exhausted, the next 4
The sample containers 1 of the book are collectively moved to the carry-in stock unit 3. Hereinafter, the above-described operation is repeatedly performed.

(Modification) The sample container label mounting apparatus shown in the embodiment includes the following modifications. Label reading is performed through a slit-shaped gap S existing between the elastic rollers 23 and 24 or between the elastic rollers 21 and 22.・ Applied to mounting labels recorded by a recording method other than barcode.

(Summary of Embodiment) [1] The sample container label mounting apparatus according to the embodiment includes: a label issuing unit 10 for issuing a sample container label 16;
A label attaching means 20 for winding and attaching the sample container label 16 issued by the label issuing means 10 to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical sample container 1, and a record content of the label 16 attached by the label attaching means 20. A reading means 30 for reading, wherein the label applying means 20 rotationally drives the sample container in a state where the outer peripheral surface of the sample container 1 is sandwiched by a plurality of rotating elastic rollers 21 to 24 arranged in parallel. The label 16 sent between the rotating elastic rollers 21 to 24 and the sample container 1 is wound around and adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the sample container 1, and the reading is performed. The means 30 transmits the recorded contents of the sample container label 16 through the slit-shaped gap S existing between the plurality of elastic rollers in the label sticking means 20. It is characterized in that to read histological.

In the sample container label mounting apparatus, the label attaching operation and the label reading operation are performed simultaneously. For this reason, the time required for one cycle, which conventionally took about 12 seconds, is reduced to about 4 seconds in the present apparatus. And the overall processing capacity is 400-500 per hour
With the present apparatus, the number is increased to about 900 per hour. That is, the time required for one cycle can be extremely short, and a label mounting apparatus for a sample container having a processing capacity twice or more that of the conventional apparatus can be obtained.

In the present apparatus, the optical reading of the recorded contents of the sample container label 16 is performed through one of the slit-shaped gaps S existing between the plurality of elastic rollers. There is an advantage that the effect of shielding external light works effectively and the optical reading operation can be performed accurately. [2] The sample container label mounting device according to the embodiment is the device described in the above [1], wherein the sample container label 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes a barcode label on which a barcode element extending in a direction parallel to the axis of the cylindrical sample container 1 is recorded.

In the sample container label mounting apparatus, each barcode element sequentially appears in the slit-shaped gap S existing between the plurality of elastic rollers 21 to 24 in a state parallel to the slit-shaped gap S. When the sample container label 16 is wound around the sample container 1, an accurate reading operation can be performed on the bar code 15 that continuously crosses the slit-shaped gap S.

[0024]

According to the present invention, since the label sticking operation and the label reading operation are performed simultaneously, the time required for one cycle is extremely short, and the mounting of the label for the sample container having twice or more the processing capacity of the conventional case is achieved. Equipment can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a sample container label mounting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a configuration of a main part of the sample container label mounting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG.
(B) is a side view showing a partially broken view.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sample container 2 ... Sample container rack 10 ... Label issuing means 14 ... Printer 15 ... Barcode 16 ... Barcode label (sample container label) 17 ... Label take-out mechanism 20 ... Label attaching means 21-24 ... Elastic roller 30 ... Reading means 31 ... Bar code reader 40 ... Unloading means X ... Processing position

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A label issuing means for issuing a sample container label, a label attaching means for winding and attaching a sample container label issued by the label issuing means to an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical sample container, and this label Reading means for reading the recorded contents of the label attached by the attaching means, wherein the label attaching means comprises a plurality of rotating elastic rollers arranged in parallel, wherein the sample is held while the outer peripheral surface of the sample container is held therebetween. It is designed to rotate the container,
The label sent between the rotating elastic roller and the sample container is wound around and attached to an outer peripheral surface of the sample container, and the reading unit includes a plurality of elastic rollers in the label attaching unit. An apparatus for mounting a label for a sample container, wherein the recorded content of the label for a sample container is optically read through a slit-shaped gap existing between the labels. 2. The sample container label according to claim 1, wherein the sample container label is a barcode label on which a barcode element extending in a direction parallel to the axis of the cylindrical sample container is recorded. Label mounting device.